Silke Steuer

My Own House, My Own Erf?: Findings on the Establishment and Function of Residential Gated Communities in the Post-apartheid City Windhoek Silke Steuer

The development of gated communities is increasing in many parts of the world as well as in Namibia?s capital Windhoek. They are generally perceived to be enclaves for the rich, white elite segregating themselves from the urban poor. Contrary to this, the establishment of gated communities in Windhoek is driven by a set of more intricate and corresponding influences: Here, topological, social and economic patterns interact and shape the city in its expansion and its townscape. This book answers the question why and to what extent gated communities arise in Windhoek. It figures out the reasons for citizens to choose to stay in a gated community and connects the results of the survey with the findings on the Windhoek property market and the past and prospective development of the city. It investigates what impact the development of gated communities has on the present and future urban and social structure. The example of Windhoek highlights that the establishment of gated housing is not a simple consequence of common stereotypes but the result of complex economic and social processes.